Login | Datasets | Logout
 

View Community Concepts - Detail

Ephedra torreyana Sparse Vegetation | NatureServe Biotics 2019
  click to update datacart
Name: Ephedra torreyana Sparse Vegetation
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: This very sparse shrub association is locally common in eastern Utah and likely extends into northern Arizona. Total vegetation cover ranges from 1 to 15% but is generally less than 10%. The vegetation is dominated or codominated by a sparse canopy of <i>Ephedra torreyana</i> with between 1 and 10% cover. Associated shrubs may include <i>Atriplex confertifolia, Coleogyne ramosissima, Eriogonum corymbosum, Eriogonum leptocladon, Ericameria nauseosa, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Opuntia</i> spp., and <i>Xylorhiza</i> spp. The herbaceous layer may have as much cover as the shrubs but will rarely exceed a few percent and may often be nearly absent. Common herbaceous species include <i>Pleuraphis jamesii, Eriogonum inflatum</i>, and <i>Sphaeralcea</i> spp. <i>Achnatherum hymenoides</i> is absent or has only trace cover. Exotic species <i>Bromus tectorum, Salsola tragus</i>, or <i>Schismus barbatus</i> may be present to abundant in disturbed sites. This very sparse shrub association is locally common in eastern Utah, occurring on alluvial fans, pediments, terraces, benches, mesas, rocky canyon slopes and stabilized dunes. This community occupies sites that are often actively eroding steep slopes, with pedestalled shrubs and gullies. A few stands are on level to gently sloping sandsheets that are subject to blowouts. Sampled stands are located between 997 and 1780 m (3270-5840 feet) elevation. Bare ground, rocks and gravel cover most of the unvegetated surface, although biological soil crusts may cover up to 50% of the surface in sandier sites. Soils are moderately well-drained to rapidly drained and variable in texture depending on the parent material. Soil textures range from sands and loam sands to silt loams, silty clay loams, and silty clays derived from shales. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:31261-{71EEC0CC-F55A-4C8A-857A-AA50EED4DBCE}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 14-Jul-2016 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.769077 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL002353
  Translated: Torrey's Joint-fir Sparse Vegetation
  Scientific: Ephedra torreyana Sparse Vegetation
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Ephedra torreyana Sparse Vegetation